Mechanical time-release for interlocking devices.



H. B. TAYLOR.

MECHANICAL TIME RELEASE FOR INTERLOCKING DEVICES.

APPUCATION FILED JULY I. 1915.

Patented 0%.30, 1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

ATTORNEY H. B. TAYLOR. MECHANICAL TIME RELEASE FOR INTERLO CKING DEVICES.

APPLICATION FILED JULY I. I915- v Patented Oct. 30, 1917.

'2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

4 7 45 QfO-46 5 FIG. 5.

INVENTOR' W a 7% BY W s, W

ATTORNEY HERBERT B; TAYLGR,OF Roonnsrnn, New Yoieic, Assienoa 'ro GENERAL RAILWAY SIGN-At COMPANY, or earns, new roan,

A. CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

MECHANICAL rnan nnt'nase For, INTEaLocKIiIe nnvrcns.

Specification of Letters Patent.

PatentedOct. so, 1917.

Ap'pnoatibn filed July 1, 1915. Serial No.'37,516.

To all whom it may-concern:

Be it known that I, HERBERT B. TAYLOR, a citizen of the United States,"a n d a resident of the city of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have in vented a new and useful Mechanical Time- Release for interlocking Devices,- of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates more particularly to a mechanical time release of the general class applied to signal operating levers or parts to assure lapse of a predetermined time between adjustment of a semaphore or other signal lever to the normal, indication position and the release of connected levers or parts operating switches, derails, detector bars, or other movable members of interlocking mechanisms used more especially in railway service. a y

The invention has for its main objects to provide a time releasemechanism whose air resting bolt o'r'p'art'is positively and fully forced into position to prevent return of the operated iiiterlocking lever or device to full normal position during the predetermined time interval necessarily elap'sihg before operating the switch, derail or other movable member; and also to provide a timerelease mechanism having parts mutually adjustable to widely and accurately vary the 'duration of said time interval whereby the same standard time release mechanism may be used in practically all situations to which a device of this character is adapted; and also to provide a time release mechanism whose arresting bolt or part when once projected to prevent return of theinterlocking lever or device to full normal position remains fully projected until after expiration of the time interval for which the release is set, and is then instantly and fully withdrawn or snapped from the path of movement of the interlocking lever or device; and further to provide a simple and eliicient time release mechanism the adjustment of which for lever arresting function automatically stores up or generates 'within itself the power necessary for later actuating its parts which controlwvithdrawal of the lever arresting bolt at the predetermined time for which the release is adjusted.

Specifically the device hereinafter described and claimed when applied to one of the levers of the well known railway interlocking machine, such, for instance, asa signal lever, provides a means whereby the operator or manipulator of such levers is prevented from returning the lever to which the means is a'pplied'from reverse position to the full normal position until after the lapse of a predetermined time measured from the time the lever is placed in the normal indication position. It is well known to those skilled in the railway signaling art, and especially that portion of the art relating to electric interlocking machines for railway signaling, that the return of a lever from the reverse position almost to the normal position causes the function operated by that lever to be returned to the normal position, but levers controlling other functions conflictingwith the functions controlled by the first mentioned lever are not fully released by reason of the mechanical interlocking on the machine until the return of the lever to full normal position so that, for instance, if a lever is returned almost to the normal position thereby causing the function controlled by that lever to be returned to the normal position, and if a certain definite interval :of time is caused to lapse aftersuch movement of the lever before the lever can be returned to the full normal position, then any switches or signals, the levers of which are controlled scribed is applied to the lever controlling that signal, he cannot until after the lapse of a definite interval of time measured from or after movement of the lever to normal indication position, return the switches over which that signal controls movements to their normal positions, and so cannot set up another route for a different'movement of trains. This inability of the signal man to quickly change from one route to another prevents him from allowing train move ments so rapidly one after the other that there is liability of a collision.

Other objects and advantages will appear as the description of the invention progresses, and the novel features of the invendetail side View of an end portion of the time release mechanism and part of the subjacent interlocking lever which shown in full normal position relatively to the release mechanism; Fig. 3 is a detail side View of parts shown in Fig. 2, excepting the lever, and illustrates the position of parts after the preliminary or idle movements of the plunger; Fig. t is a partly sectional side View of the time release mcc ianism with the cover applied thereto and in vertical section and with the parts in positions corresponding to the reverse indication position of the l..- ycr, and Fig. 5 is a partly broken out plan View of the time release mechanism with the cover in horizontal section and its fastening removed, and with the parts in the normal relative positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary end View of the righthand end portion of the mechanism shown inFig. 1 said Fig. 6 being a taken substantially on the line 6 6 in 2 and looking in the direction indicated by the arrows; and Figs. 7 and 8 are detail sections of the clutch forming part of the mechanism.

The numeral 1, indicates the time release mechanism base which has bolt holes 2, permitting its attachment to a lever guide or support in an interlocking machine. The base has other holes 3, permitting attachment to one end of of any auxiliary oevice such as a lamp holding casing. To the base 1, are secured the opposite side plates l, 4, of the frame ofra motor shown as a clockworks mechanism which includes a main shaft 5 to which is fixed the inner end of a coiled spring 6, arranged between one frame plate l, and a disk 7. fixed to the shaft 5. This spring is at ics outer end 8, to one of the transverse rods 9, which space apart the frame plates l, l. The saaft 5, fixedly carries an inner clutch member 10, which has a suitable number. of peripheral recesses 11, in each of which is a clutch roller 12, which is normally urged around by a spring 13, to cause prompt clutching of the roller between the inclined end of the recess 11, and the inner face of an outer clutchcasing member i l, which is fixed to the main driving gear 15. of a suitable gear train 16 supported in the frame 1, l, and including an escapement 17. saving the ordinary speed controlling function. is the shaft 5. is turned clockwise in direction of arrow the clutch rollers 12. automatically release the outer clutch member 1%, and si- 0 n 1 a sever il' counter-clockwism the clutch rollers 12, will 1i antly and without appreciable lost motion, cnga 'e the outer clutch member let, and

thus operate the gear train by the now uncoiling spring 6. This spring is coiled more tight y by the turning of a gear wheel 18 which is fixed to the shaft 5, and is itself turned by the engaging teeth 19, of a sector 20, which has a bearing upon a shaft 21, fitted in lugs 22, 22, rising from one end of the base 1. The shaft 21 may be fixedly held by a cotter pin .43, passed through one lu he sector 20, has a tail portion in which is 'tted a rertically adjustable screw 2%, by which thedesired timing of the lever release is accurately adjusted as hereinafter more fully xplained. Any means may be used for securely locking the screw El, after it is adjusted in the sector 20 the means shown being a set screw 25, engaging div' :lcd portions of the iector tail made by vertically san or slitting it at 26. Uponthe sector supporting shaft 21, also loosely mom ed rocking lever 2'7, preferably com.- prising two spaced arms connected ,by'a crossbar. lfhe bearing of the sector 20, lies between inner parts of the fork limbs of the le er 27, which also receive between them the orked upper end of a vertically movable locking bolt 28, between whose limbs 29', the inn r part of the sector 20. freely passes. The lower part of the bolt 28 has a sliding lit in the base 1, and the upper fork limbs 29, of the bolt are preferably guided by pins 3 fixed in the frame lugs 22, and haying re uccd inner portions entering slots 31, of the bolt limbs. Each bolt limb 29, has an upper shoulder 32, and both shoulders are a da ted for simultaneous engage ment by the lower fork ends of a latch 33, which is 1i base lugs 2 and is normally held to the shoulder L on a suojace'ut interlocking bar or lQYC-l 37, by the inner ends of lifting springs 38, acting underneath pins 39, fixed to and proycting laterally from opposite sides of the bolt. These pins 39, underlie inner ends of the fork limbs of rocking lever 2r, and between the outer ends'of which y a pin the upper end of a a oi'able "ohn it which has a 4? bu lng in'the base 1. The plunger ll, is to 'clbly raised by riding up the is pirated *oted to the upper ends of the p a spring 34. A shoulder cline 42 of anotchyof the lever '37, when said lever is, moved toctheleft hand in direction of the arrow Z and the plunger then rests upon the upper edge 43, of the lever, and at this time the locking bolt 28 will have been positively forced down or projected in front of the locking shoulder 44, of lever 37, by downward pressure of the inner ends of the rocking lever 27, upon the bolt pins 39, and against the tension of the springs :38. Any suitable sheet metal or other casing 45, is slipped over the time release mechanism as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 "of thedrawin'gs, and a thumb nut 46, screwing upon :a stud 47, fixed to one of the frame plate spacing rods 9, holds the casing in position to exclude dust and dirt from the mechanism. A hammer 48 is pivoted on one frame tie-rod 9, to be struck by the quickly rising bolt 28, and forced against the resonant casing 45, for giving a distinct click sound notifying the towerman that the bolt 28, has been withdrawn to permit full operation by the interlocking lever 37, of the usual interlocking tappet49, carrying an anti-friction roller 50 entering the lever slot 51.

in view of the above description a comparatively brief further explanation of the operation ofthe time release mechanism will suflice, as follows: When the interlocking lever or bar 37, is in the normal pom'tion shown in F 2 of the drawings, and the plunger 41, and bolt 28, and directly coacting parts are in the normal relative positions shown in F igs. l and 2, the gear 18 engages the lowermost teeth 19, of the sector 20. If now the lever 37 be moved from normal position, and in direction of the arrow 6, to a reverse indication position shown in Fig. 4, the first effect is to move the lever shoulder 44, beyond the bolt 28, about as the chamfered lower end of the plunger 41 is struck by the lever incline 42, and said incline then forces the plunger upward and simultaneouslythrough the rocking lever 27, positively forces the bolt 28 downward.

A comparison of Figs. 2 and 3, will show that the upward movement of plunger 41, cannot turn thesector 20, until after the plunger striksthe sector screw 24, whereupon a fnrther'upward plunger movement turns the sector:counter cloclnviseto the position shown in Fig. 4, and thereby positively turns gear wheel 18, and shaft 5, clockwise in direction of the arrow a, thus more closely coiling'the clockworks spring 6, and storing its increased power while the clutch rollers 12. release clutch member- 14, and the gear train'lti isinoperative. As the plunger41 rode fullv up the lever incline 42, and upon the lever edge 43, the bolt- 28, was projected in front of the lever shoulder 44, and the latch then was forced by its spring 34above the bolt shoulders 32, thus locking the bolt projected downward as shown in Fig. 4, thereby. preventing return of the lever 37, to full normal position until after lapse of the time interval for which the time release mechanism is set and the consequent snap-withdrawal of the bolt 28, above the lever shoulder 44. W hen the lever 37 and tappet 49, have relative interlocking positionssh'own in Fig. 4, they pre vent movement from normal position of other slides or levers controlling other switches and signals conflicting with the signal controlled by lever 37, and switches controlled by levers interlocked with lever 37, and as shown and described in United States Patent No. 752,127, granted to John D. Taylor, on February 16th, 1904. After expiration of the definite time interval. for which the release device isadjusted, and the consequent automatic withdrawal of bolt 28, the lever 37 may beforced to full normal position thereby releasing through the mechanism of the interlocking machine all levers dependent upon lever 37, so that other routes whichv'ould conflict with those controlled by lever 37, may be set up to permit further trainv movements. The operation in detail of the .parts for causing the withdrawal of the bolt 28 after the expiratime of the time interval for which the mechanism is set is as follows: when the lever 37 is moved toward the normal position, that is, toward the right as viewed in Fig. 4, its movement is arrested at the normal indication position by the engagement of the bolt 28 with the shoulder 44 in the upper edge of said lever; and since the plunger 41 isv released by this movementof the lever at the same time, the spring 6 commences to unwind. During the first part of the unwinding movement of the spring 6, which turns the shaft 5' and the inner clutch member 10 in a counterclockwise direction, said inner clutch member 10 is clutched to the outer clutch casing 14 and immediately commences to drive the gear 15 gradually at the speed determined by theclockwork mechanism. Fig. 4 of the drawings shows that turning of the sector 20, by contact of the rising plunger 41,.W1i3l1 the sector screw 24, had moved the sector shoulder 35 some distance back from the latch pin 36, and therefore the sector must reversely turn a slightly greater distance as the gear 18 turns countor-clockwiseunder influence of the uncoiling spring. 5, before the sector shoulder 35 can strike the latch pin 36," and force the latch 3'3 from the bolt shoulders 32. When this happens the springs 38 instantly snap the. bolt 28. upward clear-above the shoulder 44 of lever 37, thus permitting movement of thelever to full normal position. About as the return movementof the sector 20 to the normal position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, is completed, a shoulder =52, on the sector, strikes the tripped latch 33 to limit movetion and principle thereof; nevertheless,

ment of the sector and thus stop the nearly run down clockworks 16. It is obvious that the time interval elapsing before the locked or arrested lever 37, may be returned to full normal po, ion depends upon the extent of backward movement of the sector shoulder 35, from the latch pin 36, after contactof the rising plunger ell, with the sector screw El, hence by turning this screw farther downward or forward in the sector tail than shown in the drawings the plunger e1 will earlier strike the screw 2st, and consequently will turn the sector counterclockwise farther than herein shown, and move its shoulder relatively farther away from the latch pin 36, as the plunger is rorced fully upward. by the incline d2, of lever 37. This would result in turning the gear 18, by the sector 20, farther around in direction of arrow a, and would thereby relatively prolong reverse operation. of the clockworks l6, and the dependent rot-urn n'iovoinent oi the sector before its shoulder 35 could strike the latch pin so, and trip the latch from the shoulders 52, of the projected bolt 28, to permit snapping upward of the bolt by the springs 38, for releasing the interlocking lever 37. Contrariwise, ii the sector screw be turned tan ther upward or backward in the sector tail,

3 the plunger e1, will later strike the screw 2%,

and impart relatively less counterclockwise movement to the sector and clockwise movement to the gear 18, as the plunger is moved fully upward by the lever 37, thereby moving the sector shoulder a less distance from the latch pin 36, than is shown in Fig, i, and thus requiring a shorter reverse operation of the clockworks to carry the sector shoulder to the latch pin and trip the latch 111 the bolt shoulder 32, to allow the 38, snap the bolt 28, upward for 1. normal position. Obviously, any means other than the screw 2%, may be used for assuring variable turning of the sector 20, through a longer or shorter are as the plungcr ll is fully raised by the interlocking lever 37 and any means may be used to conple the plunger e1, to the lever arresting hol 28, for forcing the bolt downward as the plunger is forced upward by the interlocking lever 3'7; and the spring-actuated clockworks may be substituted by any equivalent motor; and the interlocking part actuatin the plunger may have rotary instead or reciprocating movement.

Although I have particularly described the construction of one physical embodiment of my invention, and explained the operz desire to have it understood that the form selected is merely illustrative, but does not exhaust the possible physical embodiments of the idea of means underlying my invention,

rung return of the lever 37, to full What I claim as new and desire to secure by LettersPatent or" the United States, is:

1. A time release mechanism comprising a bolt, a plunger, means simultaneously moving them in reverse directions, an interlocking device, a latch holding the bolt proected thereby arresting the interlocking device, means automatically withdrawing the 2. A, time release mechanism comprising a belt, a plunger, means simultaneously moving them in reverse directions, an interlocking device, a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, means automatically withdrawing the boltafter the latch is tripped therefrom, clockworks mechanism, and a sector engaged by the clockworks and automatically turned in oneldirection by bolt-projectingmovement of the plunger thereby storing power in the clockworks, said sector having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the clockworks.

3. A time release mechanism comprising a bolt, plunger, means simultaneously moving them in reverse directions, an interlocking device comprising a reciprocatory lever or bar having a recess provided with an incline actuating the plunger for positively projecting the bolt and also having a shoulder preventing full return of the lever to normal position after the bolt is projected, a latch holding the bolt projected, means automatically withdrawing the bolt after the latch is tripped therefrom, amotor, and a sector engaged by the motor and automatically turned in one direction by bolt-projecting movement of the plunger, said sector having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the motor.

A time release mechanism comprising a bolt, a plunger, a rocking lever moving them simultaneously in, reverse directions, an interlockingdeviceoperating the plungerthereby positively projecting the bolt, a latchholding the bolt projected thereby arrestin the interlocking device, means antomatically withdrawing the bolt after the latch is tripped therefrom, clockworks mechamsm, and a sector engaged by the clock- I worxs and automatically turned in one direction by bolt-projecting movement of the plunger thereby storing power in the clockworks, said sector having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the clockworks r 5. A time release mechanism comprising a belt, a plunger, means simultaneously moving them in reverse directions, an interlocking device operating the plunger thereby positively projecting the bolt, a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, means snapping the bolt to withdrawn position after the latch is tripped, a motoryand a sector engagedjby the motor and automatically turned in one direction by bolt-projecting movement of the plunger, said sec-tor having a partautomatically tripping the latch from the pro jected bolt asthe sector is reversely turned by the motor. 7

6. A time release mechanismcomprising a bolt, a plunger, means simultaneously moving them in reverse directions, an interlocking device operating the plunger thereby positively projecting the bolt, a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, means: automatically withdrawing the bolt after the latch istripped thereirom, clockworlrs mechanismincluding awheel, acoiledspring and a clutch device,

ant, a sector engaging said wheel and automaticaly turned in one direction by bolt projecting. movement of the plunger as the clutch releases and while the main gearing of the clockworks is at rest and while the spring is more closely coiled to store power in the clockworlrs, said sector having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt. as the sector is reversely turned by the clockworks driven by the uncoiling spring.

7. A time release mechanism comprising a bolt, a plunger, means simultaneously moving them in reverse directions, an interlocking device, a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, means automatically withdrawing the bolt after the latch is tripped therefrom, a motor, a sector engaged by the motor and automatically turned in one direction by bolt-projecting movement of the plunger and having a part automatically tripping,

the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the motor, and:

adjustable means adapted to vary the nor mal distance between :parts. of the plunger and sector whereby the time interval be:

tween bolt-projecting movement ofgthe plunger and tripping of the latch from the bolt by the sector may belengthened or shortened to correspondingly vary the time of withdrawal of thebolt.

8. A time release mechanism comprising" a bolt, a plunger, means simultaneously moving them in reverse directions, an interlocking device, a latch holding the bolt proj ected thereby arresting the interlocking device, means automatically withdrawing the bolt after the latch is tripped therefrom, clockworks mechanism and a sector engagtripped from it by the sector.

having a part automatically trippingthe latch'from the projected bolt'as'the sector is reversely turned bytheclockworks,fl and adjustable means-adapted to vary the normaldistance between parts of the plunger and sector whereby the time interval between the bolt-projecting movement'of the plunger and the tripping of the latch from the bolt by the sector may belengthened or shortened to correspondingly vary the time of v;ithdrawal ot' the bolt.

9. A time release mechanism comprising a bolt, a plunger, means simultaneously n'mving them in reverse directions, an in-; terlocking device, a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, means automatically withdrawing the bolt after the latch is tripped there from, a motor, a sector engaged bythe motor and automatically turned in one'direction by bolt-projecting movement of the plunger and having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the niotor, and a screw adapted to vary the normal distance bet-ween parts of the plunger and sector whereby the time interval between the bolt-proj ecting movement of the plunger and the tripping of the latch by the sector maybe lengthened or shortened by adjusting the screw to correspondingly vary the time of withdrawal of the bolt.

10. A time release mechanism comprising a bolt having lateral'shoi'ilders, a plunger, a rocking lever pivoted at its outer'end to the plunger and having a forked inner end, a motor, a sector journaled on the rocking lever shaft and within the fork of said lever,said bolt also having a forked upper end embraced by the rocking lever forkand receiving within it the inner part oft-he sector which engages the motor, the lever being adapted to project the bolt by pres-- sure 'uponits lateral shoulders, and a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, saidsector being turned counter-clockwise by boltprojecting movementofthe plunger anclhavinga part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by themotorand means automatically withdrawing the bolt after the latch is 11. A time release mechanism comprising a bolt having lateral shoulders, a. plunger, a rocking lever pivoted at its outer end to the plunger and having a forked inner end, a motor, a sector journaled on the rocking lever shaft and within the fork of said lever, said bolt also having a forked upper end embraced by the rocking lever fork and receiving within it the inner part of the sector which engages the motor, the lever being adapted to project the bolt by pressure upon its late 'al shoulders, and a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, said sector being turned counterclockwise by bolt-pro jecting movement of the plunger and having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the motor, and a spring automatically snapping the bolt to withdrawn position after the latch is tripped from it by the sector.

12. A time release mechanism comprising a base, a bolt having a sliding bearing in the base, a rocking lever fulcrumed on a shaft held to opposite side lugs of the base and pivoted to the outer end of the plunger and having a forked inner end, a motor, a sector j ournaledL on the rocking lever shaft and within the fork of said lever, said bolt also having a forked upper end embraced by the rocking lever fork and receiving within it the inner part of the sector which engages the motor, and a latch holding the bolt projected thereby arresting the interlocking device, said sector being turned counterclockwise by bolt-projecting movement of the plunger and having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the motor, said bolt having pins or shoulders projecting laterally under the fork ends of the rocking lever, and springs acting under the bolt'pins or shoulders and normally withdrawing the unlatched bolt.

13. A time release mechanism comprising a base, a bolt having a sliding bearing in the base, a rocking lever fulcrumed on a shaft held to opposite side lugs of the base and pivoted to the outer end of the plunger and having a forked inner end, a motor, a sector journaled on the rocking lever shaft and within the fork of said lever, said bolt also having a forked upper end embraced by the rocking lever fork and receiving within it the inner part of the sector which engages the motor, and a latch holding the bolt proj ected thereby arresting the interlocking de vice, said sector being turned counterclockwise by bolt-projecting movement of the plunger and having a part automatically tripping the latch from the projected bolt as the sector is reversely turned by the motor, said bolt having pins or shoulders projecting laterally under the fork ends of the rocking lever, and springs acting under the bolt pins or shoulders and normally withdrawing the unlatched bolt; the upper fork ends of the bolt having slots receiving upper bearing pins fixed to the base lugs.

14. In an interlocking system for railways, in combination: a lever having a normal position, a reverse position and a nor-' ways, in combination: a lever having a normal position, a reverse position and a normal indication position vand having a shoulder formed thereon; a bolt arranged to co operate with said shoulder and prevent a return movement of said lever to its full normal position; means operatedautomatically by said lever during its movement to its re verse position for moving said bolt into position to engage said shoulder; and means for automatically withdrawing said bolt from its locking position after the lapse of a predetermined time following the movement of said lever to its normal indication position.

16. In an interlocking system, in combination: a lever having a normal position, a reverse position and a normal indication position; a bolt adaptedv to prevent the return movement of said lever to its full normal position; means operated automatically by said lever during its movement to its reverse position for moving said bolt to its locking position; means tending to move said bolt from its locking position to its un locking position; a catch for automatically holding said bolt in its locking position after it has been moved to that position; and means acting after the lapse of a predetermined time following the movement of said. lever to its normal indication position for automatically tripping said catch to permit the quick unlocking movement of said bolt.

HERBERT B. TAYLOR Gopies of this patcntmay be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. B. 

